Floor Statements

Mr. President, I want to thank Chairman Barrasso, Ranking Member Carper, and Senators Inhofe and Cardin for all their hard work to advance the America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018 to the Senate

floor so we can make the much needed improvements to our Nation's water infrastructure. I would also like to express my appreciation to the hard-working staff of the Environment and Public Works Committee who spent literally countless hours working on this important water infrastructure legislation. The path to getting this bill to the Senate floor has not been easy, and it would not have happened without the strong bipartisanship shown by EPW leaders.

This bill gets us back on track to authorize critical water infrastructure projects across the country every 2 years, ensuring our economic vitality and competitiveness. America's Water Infrastructure Act is in lockstep with President Trump's vision for infrastructure by growing our economy, cutting redtape, protecting our citizens and their property, and improving transparency, all the while being fiscally responsible.

I am particularly pleased, this bill also includes the Securing Required Funding for Water Infrastructure Now Act or SRF WIN Act legislation that I had an opportunity to introduce with Senator Booker. The SRF WIN Act was a truly bipartisan effort, and I would like to give special thanks to our cosponsors, Senators Barrasso, Cornyn, Inhofe, Capito, Wicker, Hyde-Smith, Feinstein, Casey, Baldwin, Manchin, and Senator Whitehouse.

The fact that the SRF WIN Act has cosponsors from across the country with vastly different political ideologies makes an important point that infrastructure investment is not a rural issue or a big city issue. It is not a red State or blue State problem. This is a national emergency, and it is time we put partisanship aside and show the American people we can work together to provide safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services to Americans in every part of the country.

The SRF WIN Act is a result of months-long negotiations. It blends the best ideas available to ensure this commonsense, bipartisan legislation will work effectively and efficiently, providing millions and potentially billions in project dollars to communities that have traditionally not had access to these types of funds.

What the SRF WIN Act does is simple. It combines the efficiency and trust associated with the State Revolving Funds with the leveraging power of the Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act. This legislation makes the process easier and more affordable for States and communities to access Federal water infrastructure funding. Simply put, the SRF WIN Act is a critical component to future water infrastructure financing.

Congress needs to do a better job providing basic public services such as safe roads, bridges, and an up-to-date water infrastructure system. By passing America's Water Infrastructure Act of 2018, Congress has made water infrastructure investment a top priority. This bill is a victory for job creators, small and large businesses, every single State across the country, and consumers. I am pleased to see support for this bill in the House, the Senate, and the White House.

I urge my colleagues to pass this important legislation, and I again thank Chairman Barrasso, Ranking Member Carper, Senators Inhofe and Cardin for their strong bipartisan work. They set a great example of the good policy outcomes that can be accomplished if we work together.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, September is National Rice Month. In Arkansas, this is certainly reason to celebrate. My home State has the proud distinction of being the Nation's leader in rice production, producing about half of the U.S. rice crop in America. Arkansas rice producers not only provide a safe, reliable food source that helps feed the world but also helps drive the State's economy.

Arkansas rice farmers support nearly 15,000 jobs and, on average, contribute $2.3 billion to the State's economic output. Rice milling operations and forward market linkages in Arkansas account for more than $3 billion in total output of goods and services.

These are impressive numbers for an integral component to Arkansas' economy and part of the reason why the industry was recognized by Gov. Asa Hutchinson, who signed the Rice Month proclamation in early September. As a leader in production, Arkansas rice farmers have a unique role in the industry and in the ongoing research to support its continued success in the State.

The University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture is a leading research entity on rice production. Its Rice Research and Extension Center is recognized worldwide for developing solutions to the challenges facing producers, establishing techniques and best practices that help advance the rice industry.

The strong partnership between education and industry is crucial to leveraging the investment made in rice research. This cooperation helps improve the rice crop and increase farmers' yields, as well as makes rice production more efficient.

This collaboration is also seen in conservation efforts. Rice farmers are leaders in sustainability. Over the last two decades, rice producers have been able to increase their yields by more than 50 percent, with improved quality, while reducing land use by 35 percent, energy use by 38 percent, and water use by 53 percent.

In addition to being good stewards of the environment, rice farmers provide critical habitat for ducks and other waterfowl. Organizations like Ducks Unlimited have formed a relationship with rice farmers through the Rice Stewardship to improve conservation practices that help shape the habitat for waterfowl. Flooded rice fields have become great locations for hunters. When these outdoorsmen visit Arkansas to take advantage of our natural resources, they pump money into our local economies.

As a duck hunting destination, it is critically important that we protect waterfowl habitats in Arkansas so we can continue to attract sports men and women to our State.

Congress can help our rice farmers continue these good practices by passing a farm bill that includes our robust conservation title.

During my annual ag tour in Arkansas last month, I visited with rice farmers, researchers, and rice industry leaders. They shared with me how the farm bill can work better for them. We can improve crop insurance to make the policy work better for our rice farmers. They need a strong farm safety net, and they asked that Washington protect the markets they have and work to open new markets like trade with Cuba.

I am proud to craft and promote policies that help our rice farmers, and I will continue to be an advocate for the industry. This month is the perfect time to celebrate the rice industry and the many positive contributions it makes to Arkansas.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, the opioid epidemic is a national crisis. It has destroyed lives, torn apart families, and strained community resources.

Since the year 2000, more than 300,000 people in the United States have died from opioid overdoses. Congress is aggressively working to combat this problem by expanding prevention efforts, empowering law enforcement, and increasing access to treatment. We passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act, the 21st Century CURES Act, and the Bipartisan Budget Act to improve the tools and resources available to fight this epidemic, and we have another opportunity to continue turning the tide with passage of the Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018.

Last week, I met Arkansans who are on the frontlines of this battle. They have seen the destruction caused by opioids in our schools, our hospitals, and the judicial system. The individuals I spoke with agree that more resources are needed in this fight. That is what the Opioid Crisis Response Act will deliver. This comprehensive package covers a wide range of avenues to attack this problem and get individuals the help and support they need to recover. This includes prevention, treatment, additional law enforcement tools, and expanding research into nonaddictive pain treatments.

I appreciate the leadership of my colleagues on the HELP, Finance, Judiciary, and Commerce Committees to advance this important legislation that is necessary to address the ever-growing opioid crisis.

The legislation expands a grant program to train our first responders administering naloxone, the drug that

can be used to block the effects of opioids and prevent deaths from an overdose.

In Arkansas, this is having a very positive impact. Since 2017, the Arkansas naloxone project has trained more than 3,300 first responders to administer the drug. This effort has saved at least 142 lives. The program continues to grow. It is working. Other States can replicate the success we have seen in Arkansas by using grant funds to train first responders.

Not only does this legislation help those already impacted by the crisis, it also aims to stop even more dangerous drugs, like fentanyl, from getting into the country in the first place by improving detection of prohibited drugs being illegally imported through the mail.

These provisions are just a small piece of the puzzle. Together, with other measures in this bill, we can make a real difference and change the conversations we have around opioid abuse and addiction to focus not on the lives taken but on the lives which are being saved. The comprehensive response to the crisis shows how committed we are as a nation to combating opioid addiction.

I applaud the U.S. Department of Agriculture with this week's announcement of its partnership with communities across the country to fight the opioid epidemic in rural America, including Newport, AR. In Newport, USDA is investing more than $150,000 to convert the former Jackson County Jail into the White River Women's Shelter. This facility will help individuals recover from opioid misuse, and provide prevention, recovery, and treatment services to combat the opioid epidemic in the region.

We all have a stake in this fight. If individuals are living healthier lives, they will be able to be more productive citizens and help the community thrive. The Opioid Crisis Response Act of 2018 will aid us in this effort.

I look forward to the Senate passage of this bill and President Trump signing it into law so we can reverse opioid abuse statistics.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, sometime soon the Senate will be voting on the first fiscal year 2019 appropriations minibus. It has been a long time since we have brought conferenced bills to the floor, and I am pleased that the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill is a part of this package. This bill is the result of a bipartisan commitment to return to regular order, and I thank Chairman Shelby and Vice Chairman Leahy for leading the Senate in this process and providing all Members a voice in determining how taxpayer dollars are spent.

We have worked hard with our House colleagues over the past two months to develop a thoughtful and responsible conference report that took into account the input of Members on both sides of the aisle. The conference committee made thoughtful decisions about how to provide maximum readiness for the warfighters and prioritize investments at the Department of Veterans Affairs so it can take care of our veterans.

This bill provides $97.1 billion in discretionary spending, which is $5.1 billion over last year's level. Within that, the VA is provided a record level of resources at $86.5 billion in discretionary funding. That is $5 billion over last year's level and $1.1 billion over the President's request. These resources will provide healthcare and other important benefits earned by U.S. servicemembers.

Included in the bill is $1.25 billion more than requested for medical services and community care to support the VA's traditional community care programs as it transitions to a new and improved program. The bill includes $8.6 billion for mental health services, $865 million for the caregivers program, and $1.8 billion for VA homelessness programs, including $380 million for the Supportive Services for Veteran Families Program. It includes $400 million for opioid misuse prevention and treatment and $270 million for rural health initiatives.

The bill provides $10.3 billion to support military construction and family housing needs, a $241 million increase over last year's level.

It also funds $921 million for overseas contingency operations and the European Deterrence Initiative, $171 million increase over last year's level. In total, 190 military construction projects are funded to restore warfighter readiness and increase lethality of our installations within the United States and around the globe.

This bill also funds improvements to fuel logistics at Little Rock Air Force Base, in addition to a measure to move forward with development on the base's runway.

I am also pleased that the package increases funding to the Veterans History Project, an initiative led by the Library of Congress that builds an archive of oral histories and personal documents of the men and women who served our country in uniform. This is a unique collection of memories of our veterans who served from World War I to the Iraq war and other recent conflicts. It is an important program that ensures future generations understand the sacrifices our combat veterans made to protect our freedoms. Preserving the experiences of our veterans is an honorable way to recognize their bravery and dedication to our country.

Since its beginning, approximately two decades ago, the project has collected the stories of nearly 1,400 veterans from Arkansas, and nearly 50 of those have been conducted by my office. We are training more and more Arkansans to conduct these interviews for submission to the project.

These are all things that we can be excited about related to this bill. A lot of time and a lot of energy has gone into putting this legislation together. I would like to thank Senator Schatz and his staff, including Chad Schulken and Jason McMahon, and Chairman Carter and Ranking Member Wasserman Schultz and their staffs for working hard to address the needs of our servicemembers and our veterans.

I would also like to thank very much my own staff, including Patrick Magnuson, Jennifer Bastin, Joanne Hoff, and Carlos Elias for their dedication and hard work in moving this bill through the committee process, to the Senate floor, and through conference negotiations.

Finally, I want to thank Chairman Shelby and Vice Chairman Leahy, along with Chairman Frelinghuysen and Ranking Member Lowey, for the dedication and leadership they provided throughout this bipartisan process.

I strongly urge my colleagues in the Senate to support final passage so we can get this bill to the President's desk.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor University of Arkansas- Fort Smith Chancellor Dr. Paul Beran who will be leaving the university at the end of August after more than a decade of service.

Since becoming chancellor in 2006, Dr. Beran has shown himself to be a tremendous advocate for the university. During his tenure, he has overseen the expansion of undergraduate degree programs, as well as a master's degree program, resulting in the graduation of thousands of students over the past 12 years. Under Dr. Beran's leadership, UAFS has tripled its student housing capacity, expanded the school's Boreham Library, constructed the Windgate Art and Design facility, and expanded its athletics program, transitioning from the junior collegiate level to an NCAA Division II athletic program.

Dr. Beran is a champion of all students, notably student veterans. He facilitated the construction of the veteran resource center, which offers veterans a special space on campus. In addition to serving as a communal study space, the center streamlines interactions with off- campus organization and businesses.

He has made a career out of helping students pave the way for a successful future. He has been recognized for his work to advance the academic opportunities of the African-American community, earning the Golden Hands Award from the Martin Luther King Holiday Committee. He was credited as a distinguished graduate of Stephen F. Austin University and was recognized by Texas A&M University's College of Education as an outstanding alumnus. All of these honors are well deserved.

I congratulate Dr. Beran for his outstanding achievements in education and thank him for his service to the University of Arkansas- Fort Smith. I appreciate his friendship and enjoyed working with him to improve education opportunities in Fort Smith. UAFS is an excellent school and a great asset to the region, thanks to his leadership and years of dedication. We will miss his guidance, but wish him continued success as executive director and chief executive officer of the South Dakota Higher Education Board of Regents.

Mr. President, I yield to the Senator from Connecticut.

Madam President, I rise to pay tribute to our Nation's Purple Heart recipients. The Purple Heart is one of the most recognizable medals of our Armed Forces.

The military decoration, a heart-shaped medal featuring a bust of George Washington and his coat of arms, is bestowed upon the men and women in our military who are wounded or killed in action. This is a powerful symbol of the sacrifice made by our Nation's military servicemembers.

This month, we recognized Purple Heart Day, which is observed annually on August 7. This day commemorates the anniversary of the Badge for Military Merit, the precursor to the Purple Heart created by George Washington. Purple Heart Day recognizes those men and women who have borne the ruins of battle, and paying tribute to the recipients of our Nation's oldest military medal demonstrates our respect and gratitude for their sacrifices.

I have also been working on new ways to honor and acknowledge the men and women who put themselves in harm's way in the defense of our Nation. In July, Senator Schatz and I introduced the Purple Heart and Disabled Veterans Equal Access Act of 2018 to expand commissary eligibility to Purple Heart recipients and other deserving groups of veterans. I am pleased that the recently passed National Defense Authorization Act included this language that opens access to Purple Heart recipients.

Additionally, last year Congress passed the Forever GI bill. At the beginning of August, several provisions took effect, including the eligibility for post-9/11 Purple Heart recipients to receive full education benefits for up to 3 years.

An estimated 1.8 million Purple Hearts have been awarded in our Nation's history, and it is symbolic of the price our men and women who serve in uniform are willing to pay and the debt of gratitude we owe them for their selfless service. The story of these heroes who earned this military honor continue to inspire us all.

Purple Heart Day honors the sacrifice of Aaron Mankin. Aaron joined the Marine Corps in 2003. In May of 2005, while deployed in Iraq as a combat correspondent, he survived an IED attack near the Syrian border. He sustained intense burns and major lung damage. The injury to his lungs was so extensive that he was placed on a ventilator. He had third-degree burns on his arms and lost his thumb and two-thirds of the index finger on his right hand. To date, he has endured nearly 70 surgeries.

During a ceremony by the Military Order of the Purple Heart in Fayetteville, AR, earlier this month, Aaron spoke about the medal's significance to him. He said that his Purple Heart medal reminds him that we have those among us who are willing to shed their blood, their sweat, and their families' tears to protect the values and ideals we hold most dear. He told attendees: ``It is up to us to ensure that we are living lives worthy of such a sacrifice.''

Aaron has faced many challenges, but his contagious enthusiasm for life has opened many doors, including selection to serve in the Wounded Warrior Congressional Fellowship Program. Seeing how he has fought through this tremendous adversity continues to inspire me. It is important to recognize and not forget the sacrifice of Aaron and his brothers- and sisters-in-arms defending our way of life.

There are patriots like Air Force TSgt John Chapman, who gave his life in defense of this country while bravely fighting against al- Qaida. Sergeant Chapman exemplified the Air Force's core values of integrity first, service before self, and excellence in all we do, during his heroic efforts against the enemy in Afghanistan on March 4, 2002. He continued his defense against the enemy, saving the lives of American rescue team members, despite his own grave injuries. Today, President Trump will celebrate this American hero by posthumously awarding him with the Medal of Honor.

We owe all of the men and women killed or wounded in combat our heartfelt gratitude for their selfless sacrifice. Although they often are not seeking out recognition, awards, honors, or things of that nature, they certainly deserve nothing less than our public and our private displays of appreciation. The Purple Heart symbolizes their patriotism, dedication, and commitment in defense of a grateful nation. It is a fitting tribute to those whose own hearts overflow with a fierce love for their country and who are willing to defend it with their lives.

I yield the floor.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Elza Tucker, a World War II veteran who dedicated his life to serving his community and country.

Elza Richard Tucker was born July 13, 1918. Born and raised in the Lowell, AR, area, Tucker was passionate about his community and demonstrated that through his decades of selfless service.

He enlisted in the Army in 1941, where he served with the 2nd Armored Division, ``Hell on Wheels,'' under the command of General George S. Patton. He first set foot in France on Omaha Beach in Normandy 3 days after the initial D-day landing.

He recalled his first days in combat with local media in 2016 when he was presented the French Legion of Honor, France's highest honor for military service. ``The Germans were coming from the back of me and I could see them and I set a big barn on fire so I could see them as they came through,'' he said. He shared how he used a machine gun to defend his fellow soldiers in that same battle.

Tucker also saw combat in Africa, the invasion of Sicily, and the Rhineland campaign. For his service, he was awarded the Bronze Star, Good Conduct Medal, Presidential Unit Emblem, Croix de Guerre, American Defense Service Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, and WWII Victory Medal.

His commitment to service continued long after he left military life. He poured his heart and devotion into his faith and his beloved town, earning him the affectionate nickname ``Mr. Lowell.'' Tucker served faithfully at his church, First Baptist Church of Lowell, as both a deacon and Sunday school teacher. His resume includes elected offices on the Benton County Quorum Court and the city council, as well as civil roles as a rural route mail carrier and post master of Lowell. He also volunteered with the Lowell Fire Department and was a member of the Lowell Planning Commission. In order to preserve the history of the community he so dearly loved and served, he established the Lowell Historical Museum.

The community grew to know and love Tucker, honoring him in 2004 when Elza R. Tucker Elementary and Middle School opened in nearby Rogers.

Tucker never let old-age slow him down, either. He was a familiar face at the Lowell Historical Museum, where he served as a greeter until June 30, 2017, and he also spent much time at the Lowell branch of Arvest Bank, handing out popcorn to customers.

Sadly, Tucker passed away on July 30, 2018, at the age of 100.

A member of the ``greatest generation,'' who spent his life in service to the community, Elza Tucker was a true neighbor, friend, and humanitarian. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and I hope that they find comfort in the incredible legacy of he leaves behind.

Mr. President, today I wish to congratulate and recognize Rev. Richard Price on 40 years of ministry in Arkadelphia, AR. This is a tremendous milestone, and I join with many others in extending my sincere thanks and appreciation to Reverend Price for his faithful service over so many years.

Reverend Price was born in Barberton, OH, and also lived in Frankfort, IN, growing up. He went on to attend Apostolic Bible College and, upon graduating, began an evangelistic ministry where he preached revivals over the course of 5 years.

Price--or ``Brother Price'' as he is affectionately known--married Debbie Rutledge of Pine Bluff, AR, and the family moved to Arkadelphia in 1978. He is currently the pastor of the Pentecostal Church of Arkadelphia.

The Prices have four children and seven grandchildren. They are loving, devoted parents and grandparents, in addition to being leaders within their congregation and in the Arkadelphia community. I am grateful they have answered the call placed on their lives to serve their friends and neighbors by faithfully preaching, teaching, and shepherding their church for so many years.

Again, I would like to say congratulations to Reverend Price, his wife, Debbie, and their entire family and congregation on a legacy of ministry, faithfulness, and service that now spans four decades. This truly is a special milestone that is worth celebrating and rejoicing over.

I wish Reverend Price blessings and success in his ministry and pray he continues to be used to reach people with the message of the Gospel.

Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. President, today I wish to honor Walter ``Boots'' Mayberry, a World War II airman from Harrison, AR, whose military service, life, and career exemplify what it means to be a true patriot.

Walter ``Boots'' Mayberry was born in Pine Bluff, AR, on August 11, 1923, to a large family. Mayberry's nickname, ``Boots,'' came about during the Great Flood of 1927. His older sister, Dell, took the 4- year-old Mayberry into town and bought him a pair of rubber boots with rubber red tops. From then on, Mayberry could always be found with his boots on, regardless of if he was bathing, in church, or in bed. The nickname became official when he began first grade and told the teacher that his name was ``Boots Mayberry.''

Mayberry graduated high school in 1943 and was drafted shortly thereafter. He reported for duty at Camp Robinson and volunteered to join the Army Air Corps. After extensive training in several Stateside locations, he was attached to the 560th Bomb Squadron of the 388th Bomb Group in the 8th Air Corps. He was based at Knettishall, England, with the mission to bomb Germany and German-held territories, something he and the rest of the ``Mighty 8th'' did with honor.

Mayberry served as a waist gunner, defending his B-17 from enemy fighter planes. He and his aircrew successfully completed nine missions before being hit by enemy fire on their 10th mission. Despite the severe damage to the plane, the pilot kept on course and dropped the bombs on their target. Mayberry and the crew were forced to bail out of the plane, which was a problem for Mayberry who never learned how to use a parachute because he never thought he would have to use one. Falling head first, he pulled the ripcord and the force broke his neck. As he drifted to the ground, he was in the crosshairs of German ground fire.

Paralyzed and lying in a field, German civilians brutally checked Mayberry over before soldiers locked him up in a local jail. He was detained with another airman from his crew in a different secure facility for 10 days of solitary confinement. From there, he was taken to Frankfurt for interrogation and moved to several locations before ending up in a German POW camp,

Stalag 7A in Moosburg, Germany. He suffered inhumane conditions that tested his will to survive.

Mayberry fondly remembered the American tank of the 14th Armored Division that smashed through the gate, liberating the camp on April 29, 1945. Nearly 70 years after liberation, it was still emotional for Mayberry to talk about the experience of seeing the Stars and Stripes replace the Nazi flag at the camp. Two days later, Mayberry saw General George Patton who had come to survey the conditions of the camp.

Mayberry didn't receive any treatment for his injuries until he was examined by a flight surgeon on his way to France, a staging area for soldiers heading home.

After the war, Staff Sergeant Walter Mayberry lived a long, fulfilling life speaking about and writing a book on his experiences, his faith, and his love of country. He regularly participated at Veterans Day parades, Memorial Day programs, and many other civic events in and around Harrison. Sadly, Boots passed away on July 25, 2018 at the age of 94.

Mayberry was a member of the Greatest Generation and a patriot dedicated to serving his country. He was an American hero who will be missed. I extend my sincere condolences to his family and friends, and I hope that they find comfort in the incredible legacy of service and patriotism that Boots leaves behind.

Mr. President, as a member of the Senate Marine Corps Caucus, I rise to pay tribute to Lt. Col. Pete McAleer, who has selflessly served our great country as a U.S. marine. Lieutenant Colonel McAleer will retire on July 31, 2018, after a successful 24- year military career as an infantry officer.

Lieutenant Colonel McAleer's service was inspired by the example set by his family. His grandfathers both served in WWII, and his father, retired Marine Col. Rob McAleer, was a 30-year Marine infantry officer who served in Vietnam and Desert Storm. As a military child, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer learned firsthand what it meant to serve. Like most military children, he endured numerous relocations, which included Japan, Norway, and England, while experiencing the true meaning of service and sacrifice. These challenges developed his personal resilience and an undeniable sense of patriotism.

It was his experiences growing up that solidified his desire to serve in the Marine Corps. Lieutenant Colonel McAleer was commissioned in 1994 upon graduating from the University of Notre Dame and was then assigned to Company A, 1st Battalion, 4th executive officer for two WESTPAC and CENTCOM area deployments. In each of his following assignments, he not only excelled, but continued to pursue personal and professional development, earning masters degrees from both the U.S. Naval War College and the U.S. Army War College.

Throughout his career, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer served honorably in numerous assignments that took him to seven States, the Nation's Capital, and overseas, where he served in five combat deployments including tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

During his career, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer demonstrated what it means to be a leader. A highly decorated marine, he earned several service awards, including the Bronze Star, for his heroic service.

As a testament to Lieutenant Colonel McAleer's exemplary service, he was selected to serve as the commandant of the Marine Corps' Senior Fellow at the Center for a New American Security.

He was also chosen to represent the U.S. Marine Corps as a military legislative fellow for Senator Judd Gregg R-NH. Following his successful year on Capitol Hill, he served as the deputy director for the Marine Senate Liaison Office.

As his final assignment in uniform, Lieutenant Colonel McAleer served as a strategic policy adviser to the Chief of Naval Operations.

Lieutenant Colonel McAleer faithfully served his country. He was motivated to join the Marines because of the example set by his father and the challenge of earning the title of marine. He was encouraged to continue his service because of the mission and the men and women he served alongside.

Lieutenant Colonel McAleer, congratulations on your successful career and well-deserved retirement. I join my colleagues in Congress and all Americans as we express our appreciation for your service, acknowledge your many accomplishments, and wish the very best for you, your wife, Laura, and your daughter Paige in the future.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.

Mr. President, today this Chamber will take an important step to ensure that we have leadership in the Department of Veterans Affairs to oversee the implementation of historic reforms that we passed in May to improve the VA's healthcare delivery system and provide veterans with more choices and fewer barriers to care.

We will vote on the nomination of Robert Wilkie to serve as Secretary of the VA. Having served our Nation in uniform, as well as experiencing military life as the son of a wounded combat soldier, Robert Wilkie's extensive career in a wide range of defense and veterans issues makes him uniquely qualified to serve as the next Secretary of the VA. He clearly understands the complexities associated with serving our Nation and the importance of taking care of veterans.

I am grateful for Robert Wilkie's willingness to serve as the next Secretary of the VA. I urge my colleagues to follow the example of the Senate Veterans' Affairs Committee, which overwhelmingly advanced his nomination to the Senate in a bipartisan way. Having served as Acting Secretary of the VA, Robert Wilkie is well aware of the challenges facing the Department.

Accepting responsibility to oversee the implementation of reforms passed by Congress, including the VA MISSION Act, to update its medical records system, to expand support for our women veterans, and to reduce the disability claims backlog, are just a few of those issues that he will need to tackle.

To accomplish all of this, he will have to change the culture at the VA. Serving as the Secretary of the VA is a huge undertaking, but one that he has committed to me that he wholeheartedly accepts. The Senate VA Committee and my office are ready and willing to help him and the VA succeed in their mission.

Congress has given the VA the tools to provide our veterans with quality care and to improve the benefits they have earned. Now the Department needs his leadership to implement and to carry out these changes. Under the leadership of future Secretary Wilkie, the VA can reestablish a nonpartisan approach to serving veterans.

Our veterans must be our top priority. I am confident that Robert Wilkie will provide the leadership the VA needs to better serve our veterans.

I yield back.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. President, I also thank my colleague, the Senator from Colorado, for his efforts in getting this done. It has been a real bipartisan effort. We hear so much about all the infighting that goes on here, and this is certainly one of the underpinnings of our country. Again, we are working very hard to get it across the finish line. So I thank him very much.

The majority leader recently announced his intention to keep the Senate in session through the majority of August. It is the right thing to do. We have a lot of work to complete ahead of us, and our to-do list just got a little bit longer with today's excellent news. The 12 appropriations bills are at the top of that list. We have been busy clearing these bills at the committee level and now on the Senate floor. I am particularly pleased that Military Construction-VA appropriations bill was part of the first group of appropriations bills that received bipartisan approval here on the Senate floor.

While we work to ensure passage of bills that fund vital Federal programs, we must also continue to pass the important bills that authorize them. We have a chance this week to add to our list of bipartisan achievements by passing the farm bill, which was recently approved by the Ag Committee with overwhelming support from both sides of the aisle.

If you have ever been to Arkansas, I don't need to tell you how important the farm bill is to our State. You have seen it. You have seen the cotton fields, the rice silos, the chicken farms, the cattle ranches. We have it all in the Natural State. In fact, 95 percent of the land resources of Arkansas are devoted to agriculture and forestry. While there is variety in what our farmers grow or raise on their land, the family farm is a way of life shared by thousands of Arkansans.

Agriculture is a driving force of the Natural State's economy, adding $16 billion to our economy every year and accounting for approximately one in every six jobs. But the farm economy is in a much different place than the last time this Chamber debated a farm bill. That is the case not just in my home State of Arkansas; it is an issue nationwide. If you look at the numbers across the Nation, farm income is approximately half of what it was then. Farm bankruptcies are up by 39 percent since 2014; financing is becoming more expensive; input costs are rising; and the trade outlook is volatile and uncertain.

Farmers across the country, regardless of where they call home or which crops they grow, are hurting. They are experiencing the most fragile farm economy since the 1980s farm crisis. With the current farm bill set to expire at the end of September, we must pass a new one in a timely manner to provide certainty and predictability to the folks who feed and clothe our Nation and the world.

Programs authorized by the farm bill are vital to making sure that as a nation we do not become dependent on other countries for our food supply. Along with providing key risk management tools for our farmers, the farm bill also helps our rural communities by authorizing key economic development and job creation programs. It helps rural Arkansans with everything from home financing to internet access to small business loans.

The Agriculture Committee, under the leadership of Chairman Roberts and Ranking Member Stabenow, approved a fair and equitable farm bill with overwhelming bipartisan support. I was particularly pleased to see that the committee-passed mark maintained strong farm policy for producers of all stripes. These programs allow our Nation's family farms to compete in a high-risk, heavily subsidized global marketplace. As we debate amendments on the floor, we must defeat amendments that would harm the farm safety net for our producers.

Ensuring that producers across the Nation have options that meet their specific needs when those needs are so varied is a delicate balance to strive for, but the chairman and ranking member have achieved it. I appreciate what a heavy lift it is and what it took to get to this point, and I hope the Senate as a whole does as well.

I do have very deep concerns about provisions included in the substitute amendment that undermine this delicate balance. One provision in particular, aimed at bolstering small family farms, will, in fact, hurt family farms across the country. Unfortunately, we do not know exactly how deep this cut will be. The provision was not filed as an amendment, and Senators were not given time to properly read it. But I do know one thing: This will hurt farmers and the rural communities where they live. USDA estimates that my home State of Arkansas will be the third most impacted State, behind Texas and Illinois. Iowa will be the fourth most impacted State.

This provision does not discriminate against regions. It discriminates against farmers and those who feed and clothe this Nation. I am very much opposed to this language, but I am thankful that the House did not take this tack in crafting its farm policy.

I am committed to working to remove this provision before we enact a final farm bill this Congress. We must provide a farm bill that gives producers certainty and predictability without further exacerbating the difficult farm economy they are facing.

If we can commit to continuing to follow the fair and equitable approach that was exhibited when we fashioned the bill in committee, we can pass a farm bill that has a chance to become law. Let's not squander this opportunity.

Our farmers in rural America need this bill. Let's get it passed so that we can provide our farmers and ranchers with the certainty and predictability they need to succeed.

I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Madam President, for the first time in a long time, we are bringing appropriations bill to the floor, debating amendments, and voting on legislation.

Shortly, the Senate will be voting on the first fiscal year 2019 spending bills. I am pleased the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs and related agencies appropriations bills are part of this package.

This is a bipartisan bill that funds the critical infrastructure for our Nation's servicemembers, their families,

and takes care of America's 20 million veterans. This is a good step in returning to regular order, with the Senate considering appropriations legislation in a timely fashion.

We owe thanks to Chairman Shelby and Ranking Member Leahy for providing leadership for the transparent, bipartisan process.

This bill was crafted in a truly open and collegial way. The subcommittee made thoughtful decisions about how to provide maximum readiness for the warfighter and prioritize investments to the VA so they can take care of our veterans.

We took into account the request and preferences of all Members on both sides of the aisle and balanced it with the administration's budget submission. Within this framework, we have created a thoughtful and responsible path forward for both Departments and our related agencies.

The bill provides $97.1 billion in discretionary spending, which is $5.1 billion over last year's level. Within that, the Department of Veterans Affairs has provided a new record level of resources of $86.4 billion in discretionary funding, which is $5 billion over last year's level and $1.1 billion over the President's request. These resources will provide healthcare and other important benefits earned by U.S. servicemembers.

The bill also provides $10.3 billion to support military construction and family housing needs, a $228 million increase over last year's level. This will fund a total of 169 military construction projects that restore warfighter readiness and increase the lethality of our installations.

A lot of time and energy has gone into putting this legislation together. I thank my staff, Patrick Magnuson, Jennifer Bastin, Joanne Hoff, and Carlos Elias, and, of course, Senator Schatz and his staff-- again, both groups working together in a very bipartisan manner, working hard to address the needs of our servicemembers and our veterans.

This is a good bill. It was reported out of committee without a single dissenting vote, and I hope we will have unanimous support when we vote on final passage. I ask my colleagues to support this bill.

Thank you.

With that, I yield back.